Swansea land Motherwell star Elijah Just in club-record deal
The New Zealand international departs after 43 appearances, seven goals and eight assists in a hugely productive spell at Fir Park.
Elijah Just has left Motherwell for Swansea City in a club-record sale reportedly worth over £5 million, ending a remarkable year in Scotland that marked him out as one of the club’s most influential players.
The New Zealand international arrived from Horsens last July and quickly became an integral part of Jens Berthel Askou Motherwell’s side, making 43 appearances, scoring seven goals and made eight assists, while also helping the Fir Park side secure European qualification for the first time since 2022.
Just was named in the PFA Team of the Season and shortlisted for several major individual awards, including PFA Player of the Year and SFWA Player of the Year, while also collecting Motherwell’s own end-of-season honours. His reputation rose further at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored three times for New Zealand and became the first Motherwell player to score a brace at the tournament.
Following Just’s departure, Motherwell Chief Executive Brian Caldwell said: “I want to wish Elijah all the very best for the future. His 12 months at the club will be remembered fondly by everyone, and he is a humble and genuine person who deserves every success.
“As a club, this move marks another hugely successful moment for our overall strategy. Setting a new record sale for the second time in the space of 11 months is down to the hard work of all the football staff involved at the club.
“Elijah is our fourth player sale during this summer window, and we have been working tirelessly to strengthen the squad going into a hugely competitive and important part of our season. Bringing five players in so far, we’ll continue to work on improving the squad ahead of the window closing.”
Swansea City Head coach Vitor Matos said: “We’re very excited to bring Elijah into the team. He can play in more than one position and his versatility will be a great fit in the side.
“Elijah joins us after performing well in all aspects of our recruitment process, and after a brilliant performance at the World Cup and we are very happy to have him with us.”
Swansea City’s Sporting Director Ben Stevens added: “Delighted for Elijah to join us, he will add quality to our attack with the ability to play in multiple positions.
“He had a phenomenal World Cup with New Zealand where he really introduced himself on to the world footballing stage after a standout season with Motherwell.
“We feel his profile is a strong fit for Vitor’s and the club’s footballing style and this as an exciting opportunity for all parties”.